A couple weeks back I hoped on a train out of Penn Station, and after raving about it for months, I finally made it down to the Philadelphia maritime museum. The initial premise was to explore the Skin & Bones exhibit that I wrote about back in April last year, which is about American sailor tattoos, their origins, meanings and stories.
The Skin & Bones exhibit brought a lot to the table, and some of the lessor known artists, along with their original flash books and art works were among the highlights. C.H. Fellowes, CV Brownell, Charlie Wagner and a Philly local, Sailor Eddie and his wife Esther were among some of the featured artists. Of course there was some Sailor Jerry in the mix, however I was happy to see some of Paul Rogers’ works, as he was the creator of the modern electric tattoo gun, and thus paved the way for everyone going forward. Personally, I not only enjoyed the artistic element, but I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the whole exhibit. There were a lot of old photos and video footage of guys lining up to get tattooed during wartime and aboard their ships, as well as some footage from of the dockside shops of the early 1900s.
Charlie Wagner
Paul Rogers
Sailor Jerry Collins
Traditional Flash
The Skin & Bones exhibit definitely hit he spot and had a lot more material than I initially expected, however just as good as Skin & Bones was, the rest of the museum was equally as impressive. There was a fantastic level of detail ranging from pristine models ships, a small craft section full of beautiful boats, a boat building shop where anyone could learn the fundamentals to building your own small craft, a fantastic section on the local ship building, all the way to access aboard the U.S. Olympia, a Spanish American War battleship, and the WWII Becuna, a Cold War submarine. It was nearly closing time, so we had full reign of both the Olympia and Becuna, and got to really explore the ins before getting the boot.
Olympia & Becuna
US Olympia
USS New Jersey
Torpedo Tubes
Submarine Gauges
Since 1857, Klein Tools has held down their mid-west roots and produced some of the finest quality tools the world over. Founded by Mathias Klein in downtown Chicago, what began as a pair of pliers for telegram linemen, would later become an industry staple nation wide. Klein tools has maintained their integrity since the beginning and continues to keep their headquarters just outside of Chicago, with distribution facilities scattered around the globe.
On top of manufacturing some of the world’s best tools, Klein also produces some exceptional carrying equipment. Klein tool bags/buckets, totes, or portfolios are constructed out of durable canvas & leather combos, or hardened leather, all made in the U.S. of A, and built to withstand a proper beating.
To all you champions that visit The Standard Edition, please stay tuned. Following a brief hiatus, TSE will be back in full swing. And as always, thank you for stopping by.
“I’ve been jammin’ for quite a while, doing what’s right, and settin’ the style.”
Seemingly fitting for this time of year, and a little memento for all the cheeseheads back in the big windy, I couldn’t help but throw this up. With non-stop one liners from Walter “Sweetness” Payton, Jim “Punky QB” McMahon, and Mike “Samurai” Singletary, this could be the best seven minutes you’ll ever spend.
As the cold gets colder, and I get more and more ready for warmer temperatures, I realize that they’ll be accompanied by rain and wind, thus sending me on my search for a proper parka/raincoat. Gloverall, not necessarily a breakthrough find, fits the bill to perfection.
This past weekend’s C.H.C.M. pop-up brought the duffle retailer back into my radar, and with their deep rooted history, nautical/military inspirations and quality construction, I’ll be all-set for the spring.
From their site:
“Recognized worldwide as the foremost Original Duffle Coat Gloverall has gained Iconic status as a design classic. Playing a part in fashion and culture through the last 60 years Gloverall draws on it’s Military and Industrial Heritage to be one of the most respected and loved British Brands.
A balance of tradition and modernity reflects through our coats with manufacturing in England and our newly introduced collection Made in London England.
The word Duffle originally referred to a Heavy Woolen Cloth closely woven for warmth and manufactured in the Belgian Town of Duffle. However over the years it has come to signify a hooded coat with distinctive toggle fastenings which was adopted by the British Navy and used by officers and men of the watch to protect against the biting Atlantic and North Sea winds. The toggles could be unfastened whilst wearing thick gloves, and hoods were carefully designed to fit over peaked Naval caps.”
The original Monty Duffle coat
The Aesthete, brought to you by Brennan Woods of The Pursuit Aesthetic, is a series of head-to-toes from those across the grid. I was more than happy to oblige his kind request for The Standard Edition’s participation, and offer up my own take on this collaboration. Tune into The Pursuit Aesthetic and check out The Aesthete as well as all the quality past posts.
Always a sucker for quality goods with a story, North Sea Clothing fits the bill to perfection. Dating back two world wars and constructed of quality English wool, the submariner jumper is tried & true.
If you’ve heard of Cru Jones, Bart Taylor, the Reynolds twins and/or Hell Track, there’s a good chance we would be friends. Potentially the foundation of my youth, Rad was not just the word on the street, it was the best movie ever.
Aside from this piece of BMX excellence, this film is host to several other fundamental pieces of greatness. For starters, it’s produced by Jason Schwartzman’s Dad, and his Mom (Talia Shire a.k.a. Michael Corleone’s sister, Connie and Rocky’s Adrianne), is Cru’s Mother. What may heavier than the cast of characters is the fact that there’s a place called Hell Track, and a completely amazing flatland-dance off to Send Me An Angel. This, my friends, is a tall order and I still get chills just thinking about it.
